The TILDA research shows 79% of people over-50 are overweight or obese.

The report, which surveyed 8,000 people nationally, found obese older adults visit their GP more frequently and take more medications.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has said the findings of the report did not come as a surprise.

Mr Varadkar said that most people could address weight issues through lifestyle change, healthy eating and increased exercise.

When asked about a possible sugar tax Mr Varadkar said he hadn't studied it in detail.

He said he was not in favour of high taxes, adding that he would give more detailed consideration to it later.

Mr Varadkar also said that the Government can not make people skinny.

TILDA Research Director and co-author of the report Dr Anne Nolan said the findings were a cause for concern.

She said that they come at a time when the Irish health service is faced with delivering services with fewer resources.

"A greater focus on health promotion and prevention is required to not only improve population health and well-being, but also to ensure the future sustainability of our health system."

Over 200 wait for gastric bypass surgery

Separately, the number of people on the waiting list for gastric bypass surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin has risen above 200 for the first time, following the cancellation of bariatric surgery at the facility.

A team of medics overseeing the weight management service at St Vincent's and St Columcille's hospitals has written to Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Mr Varadkar describing the cancellations as "unethical and discriminatory".

They are calling for a meeting to discuss the cancellation of the surgeries.

Clinicians received an email last week advising them that following a Health Service Executive directive, bariatric surgery at the hospital was required to cease until further notice.

The only other public hospital in the country providing gastric bypass surgery is University Hospital Galway, but this also has a large waiting list.

RTÉ News has seen a letter sent to the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and HSE management in which the obesity team described the lack of communication with patients as "disrespectful, demoralising and indicative of dysfunction".

It calls for a meeting regarding the "immediate resumption of bariatric surgery" and states that the surgeries are not cosmetic or an easy option for weight loss.

Each surgery costs around €12,000 to €15,000 but can have major benefits by reducing a patient's health complications.

Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach and allows patients to lose significant weight.

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